Spencer, N.C. (February 9, 2012) The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer always offers many amazing things to see and do. Feb. 15 -18, a FREE visiting exhibit set up outside the museum - theCAF Red Tail Squadron's new RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit - will invite visitors to step inside to sit for a bit and get acquainted with some fascinating World War II history.

The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a customized 53' trailer with expandable sides that houses a 160-degree curved movie screen and seating for 30 in climate-controlled comfort. A 14-minute original movie called "RISE ABOVE" focuses on what the Tuskegee Airmen - America's first black military pilots and their support personnel - had to overcome to be allowed to fly and fight for their country during World War II. It also features some great flying footage that is enhanced by the long curved screen. Sponsored by the Texas Flying Legends Museum, admission to the "RISE ABOVE" exhibit and movie is free.

Attendees are spellbound as they hear how, after training at the segregated base in Tuskegee, Alabama, the black pilots and their crews were deployed first to Africa and then to Italy where they distinguished themselves as American military aviators. With determination and skill, they proved that black men had the courage and intelligence to fly and fight effectively against the Axis powers, particularly the Germans. The Tuskegee Airmen painted the tails of their fighters red and bomber pilots began requesting the "red tail angels" as escorts to protect their "big heavies" from the German fighters sent to disrupt their missions. The Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 combat sorties and earned hundreds of medals and designations, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 in honor of their war service to the United States.

The free CAF Red Tail Squadron's RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be on display 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 15 – 18 at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Groups are welcome, but are asked to schedule their visit by calling Brian Moffitt at 704-636-2889 ext. 257.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF, based in Midland, Texas, is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000. For more information about the CAF Red Tail Squadron, visit www.redtail.org.

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